Bio

Hailing from Portugal, Marito Marques is an accomplished musician and respected composer, he takes the sounds of the world into his soul to produce melodies that bring the audience together in an unparalleled unity. Born July 11, 1987 in Arganil, Portugal, Marques began playing the drums at the age of 2, quickly moving on to live performances, including television appearances at 5 years old. Marques pursued his formal instruction at CETM in Coimbra, Portugal. Afterward, Marques moved to New York City to further his studies at the Drummers’ Collective and later at the Manhattan School of Music where he studied under some of the best instructors the school had to offer, including John Riley, Kendrick Scott, Ignacio Berroa or Greg Hutchinson.

Taking his influences from African roots music, jazz, and pop, Marques makes compelling music that is as beautiful to listen to as it is nourishing for the soul. In 2013, he released his debut album ‘Magic Everywhere’ with collaborations from some of the most respected names in music, including Anna Maria Jopek, Gregoire Maret, Mino Cinelu, Ron Westray, Munir Hossn and Yami. His second album “Live at Revolution”, released on Nov 11th, 2014 is a 3-track live in-studio recording. Marito Marques on drums, alongside his Canadian quartet and quintet, Robi Botos on piano, Kelly Jefferson playing the saxophone, Michael Shand on keyboards/piano, and Ian de Souza and Alex St. Kitts joining in on bass.

The fresh and third album entitled ‘Na Eira’ that means “threshing floor” was released on November 22, 2016. The album was recorded in 4 countries, combining the efforts of 15 musicians, in-turn encompassing 10 different nationalities. ‘Na Eira’ is a global effort that fosters the similarities and celebrates the differences between cultures to create a unifying sound. Marques hasn’t strayed from his passion of collaboration and the original melding of sounds, cultures, talents, instruments, and genres creating a connection between people and continents. The album is strongly influenced by Marques’ birth country Portugal and takes further inspiration from the PALOP countries, it was recorded in France, Spain, Portugal, and largely in Marques’ now-home Toronto, Canada. ‘Na Eira’ also has significant contributors from varying places in between, including; Jorge Pardo, world renowned Spanish flutist, who contributes to two-songs as well as performances from Woz Kaly, Senegalese singer, on an additional two-songs. As the composer and producer Marques’ ambitious and collective spirit are highlighted in his ability to combine the talents of international musicians.

Currently living in Toronto, Marques is considered one of the most requested and versatile drummers in Europe and Canada, having performed World Tours with artists in the most diverse music genres; some of which include two Grammy Winners Ivan Lins and Carlos do Carmo, the Grammy nominees Helik Hadar, Adonis Puentes, Hilario Duran and Jeff Coffin, Anna Maria Jopek, Mino Cinelu. Larnell Lewis, Gregoire Maret, The Wilderness of Manitoba and Sara Tavares. He is endorsed by Pro Mark, Evans, Yamaha Drums, Zildjian, Red Clay, Sontronics Microphone and Kalimba Magic.

Chiripangulá

Abri Bo Janela

Magic Everywhere

“Magic Everywhere” was recorded in 5 different countries with internationally renowned musicians from 13 different nationalities, thus producing a beautiful mixture of rhythms, colours and flavours. You can buy the album from the following links: